Llandaff is a historic district located in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales.
The origins of Llandaff Cathedral date back to the sixth century. It is traditionally associated with Saint Teilo, one of the early Christian missionaries in Wales. The original church or monastery established by Saint Teilo may have been a wooden structure, and over time, it evolved into the stone-built cathedral we see today.
According to tradition, Saint Dubricius (Dubric) was initially buried at Bardsey Island, a place associated with many early Welsh saints. However, in 1120, his remains were moved to Llandaff Cathedral, where a shrine or tomb was established in his honor. This translation of the saint’s relics to Llandaff Cathedral further solidified the cathedral’s status as a significant religious site in Wales.
Geoffrey of Monmouth says that the priest Teliau (Teilo) served here before he was promoted to Archbishop of Dol.
Llandaff | 0 to 1100 AD
Roman Period | 1st to 4th centuries AD
During the early part of this timeframe, Wales, including the area that would become Llandaff, was under Roman rule. Roman settlements and roads would have been present in the region. The Romans often built infrastructure and settlements near rivers, which could have influenced the location of Llandaff due to its proximity to the River Taff.
Early Christian Influence
The Christianization of Wales began during the Roman period, and by the fifth century, Christianity had gained a foothold in the area. Llandaff may have had an early Christian presence during this time, although concrete historical records are scarce. The establishment of Christian communities often led to the growth of settlements around churches and monastic sites. Llandaff likely saw the development of such settlements, with agriculture, trade, and religious activities playing crucial roles in the local economy and society.
Anglo-Saxon and Viking Invasions
In the centuries following the Roman withdrawal from Britain – fifth to seventh centuries – Wales faced incursions and invasions by Anglo-Saxon and Viking groups. These invasions likely had an impact on the region.
Welsh Kingdoms
During this period, Wales was divided into several small kingdoms, each with its own rulers and territories. The kingdom of Glywysing included the Llandaff region, and it was part of the broader political landscape of early medieval Wales.
Viking Raids and Norman Influence
Toward the end of the eighth century and into the ninth century, Viking raids along the Welsh coast and rivers became more freqent. These raids had a significant impact on coastal and riverine settlements, including Llandaff. Later in the eleventh century, Norman influence began to spread across Wales, leading to further changes in governance and society.
Source
Historia Regum Britanniae | Geoffrey of Monmouth, c. 1138